General Illness Information

Description:

Full digestion of food and body protection is impossible without participation of microbes living in intestine. Disbacteriosis is a condition in which composition of microorganisms inhabiting intestine changes (there are less beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria), which leads to gastrointestinal tract disorders.

The human intestine is inhabited by different microbes – “bad”, “good” and “neutral.” Useful microbes – bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and bacteroids are real “friends”. They help in digestion, protect against allergies, support immune system and even reduce likelihood of developing cancer. And they suppress “enemies”:

• staphylococci;
• protea;
• streptococci;
• Candida fungi.

Under the influence of external factors, this balance is violated – the number of “useful” bacteria is reduced, and harmful microbes begin to host in intestines – a condition called “dysbiosis” develops. Disbacteriosis is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of other diseases or any troubles in body. This condition can accompany gastritis, pancreatitis and other diseases of digestive system, be a consequence of transferred intestinal infection, or develop as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics. An impetus to dysbiosis development can serve even a change in ordinary diet, which often occurs in foreign trips. For such cases, there is even a special term – “traveler’s diarrhea”.

To suspect a dysbacteriosis it is possible at presence of such symptoms as:

• bloating;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• bad breath;
• nausea;
• allergic reactions to harmless products.

In this case it is more correct to address to gastroenterologist. The doctor will send you to a bacteriological analysis of stool and, if necessary, to other studies of the gastrointestinal tract. If disbacteriosis is confirmed, you will be prescribed treatment – diet, probiotics (“useful” microbes in form of powder or capsules), and possibly antibiotics to destroy harmful intestinal bacteria.

Disbacteriosis Causes:

Disbacteriosis does not develop in healthy people, it is a kind of signal about the dysfunction in body. Various causes can lead to disbacteriosis development:

• uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
• transferred intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis);
• diseases of digestive system (gastritis, peptic ulcer, intestinal diseases, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis);
• operations on stomach and intestines;
• malnutrition (prevalence in food of spicy, fatty, lack of sufficient amount of plant foods and fermented milk products);
• reduction of body’s defenses.

Diagnostics:

Diagnosis and treatment of disbacteriosis is performed by a gastroenterologist. To confirm diagnosis, a bacteriological analysis of feces is necessary. As additional research, a doctor may appoint:

• gastroscopy (EGC);
• irrigoscopy – X-ray examination of intestine with its preliminary filling with a contrast agent;
• recto-manoscopy – intestine (up to 30 cm) is inspected with a special device (rectoscope) inserted into anus;
• colonoscopy – study is similar to sigmoidoscopy, but intestine is examined with a length of up to one meter.

Treatment:

Important components of treatment are:

• adherence to a diet. In nutrition it is necessary to include dairy products enriched with bifidobacteria;
• antibiotics or bacteriophages are prescribed in some cases to suppress harmful bacteria in intestine;
• special preparations that normalize composition of intestinal microflora (bifi-forms, bifidumbacterin);
• Treatment, as a rule, allows to restore normal digestion within two months.

Unfortunately, successful treatment of intestinal disbacteriosis does not guarantee getting rid of disease absolutely. The microflora of intestine is very sensitive to external influences and reacts to various malfunctions in human body. To reduce the risk of dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to take antibiotics only on strict indications, to treat catarrhal diseases and diseases of gastrointestinal tract in a timely manner.

General Information

Description: Excess weight is not just a physical defect, it is a disease that prevents a person from leading a full life and can cause serious consequences.
Obesity is considered a chronic disease that can occur at any age. It is an excessive increase in body weight due to the accumulation of fat in the tissues. The number of people who are overweight and obese in recent years is inexorably growing. As a result, the overall morbidity and mortality of the world’s population is increasing.

Obesity develops due to a lack of balance in the body between energy absorption and its costs. The action of the energy systems of our body regulates certain genes. Children of people who suffer from excessive weight have a genetic predisposition to obesity. That is why obesity is often a hereditary disease.

In addition to genetic factors predisposing to obesity, there are also other factors leading to overweight:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• diseases associated with the endocrine system;
• high susceptibility to stress;
• insufficient sleep;
• taking drugs that contain psychoactive substances;
• eating disorders on the basis of mental disorders (psychological disorders of eating behavior – anorexia, bulimia, psychogenic overeating).

In healthy people, in contrast to those predisposed to excess weight, the main risk factors of obesity are overeating and physical inactivity. Excessive amount of calories entering the body are not consumed and stored in fatty tissues.

Causes of excessive weight gain:

To start fighting the diseases you need to know the reasons for its occurrence. Let us consider in more detail the main reasons for weight gain.

• Unbalanced diet is one of the main reasons why healthy people gain weight;
• Diseases in which metabolism is disturbed;
• During pregnancy, a woman often does not control the amount of calories consumed;
• Features of the structure of the body. A man of high stature with a thin bone is unlikely to face excess weight compared to a man of low stature and broad bone;
• Slow burning rate of fats;
• Depression. After experiencing stress, people often eat an excessive amount of sweet or fatty foods.

Complications of excessive weight gain:

The adverse effects of obesity are very numerous. Here are the most common complications:

• Cardiovascular diseases. These include mainly atherosclerosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke. It is known that people suffering from obesity are subject to these diseases 2-3 times more than people with a normal weight;
• Diabetes mellitus type 2 in obese patients occurs 8 times more often than in lean people;
• Violations of the musculoskeletal system. Extra pounds in the body are an additional burden on the joints. The joints of the legs suffer most. They wear out more quickly, and the cartilages that cover the articular surfaces are more quickly erased. As a result, the joints become inflamed and swell, causing pain. Lower parts of the spine also suffer. As a result, a person feels severe pain in the back;
• Oncological diseases. In men, the risk of cancer of the colon and prostate cancer increases, in women – the gallbladder, uterus and mammary glands;
• Liver dystrophy. Due to systematic overeating, the liver is overfilled with glycogen, and all of its cells become filled with fats;
• Decrease in the speed of reaction, sharpness of thought processes, decrease in ability to analyze and synthesize;
• Problems with breathing. Excess fat on the stomach presses against the diaphragm, because of this the volume of the lungs decreases. The result is pneumonia and bronchitis;
• Excess weight in women causes an overabundance of estrogens, which leads to problems with the menstrual cycle and conception. In men, sexual activity and motility of spermatozoa decrease.

Loosing extra weight will bring significant relief to your body, increase life expectancy and slow the aging process. All you need to understand is that excess weight is extra cells and excess products of their vital activity, because of which all organs and systems of the body wear out. Hence, there are many diseases that can be completely cured only by loosing excess weight. Virtually all diseases, including acute respiratory infections, influenza and inflammation,occur frequently in people who are overweight. They are cured longer and cause more complications.

How to lose weight?

Before loosing weight, you need:

• Define its cause;
• Using the body mass index (IMS), determine your normal weight. It equals the number obtained by dividing the body weight by the height in meters in square;
• Limit the intake of calories in the body;
• Increase the consumption of fruits (except for high-calorie) and vegetables, nuts and whole grains;
• Organize a meal schedule;
• Do physical exercises. Lack of activity is the cause of many diseases. Physical activity improves the functioning of the heart, normalizes blood pressure, lowers heart rate, muscle and nervous tension, improves blood circulation, makes the figure slim, provides optimal lung function, strengthens muscles and bones, improves mental abilities.

Medications:

Many people are interested in special drugs for weight loss, but it is important to understand that the magic pill for weight loss does not exist. However, there are drugs and herbal supplements that can significantly alleviate the process of losing weight, while maintaining a person’s health and normal metabolism. Of course, we are not talking about those drugs that have a laxative effect or psychotropic effect.

The correct drugs for weight loss contain substances that naturally regulate the absorption and synthesis of fats and glucose, reduce the level of cholesterol, also contain a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals, and have an immunomodulatory effect. They also contain chitosan, extracts of garcinia, grapefruit, eleutherococcus, red pepper, bubbly fucus, B vitamins, vitamin C, biotin, folic acid, amino acids (alanine, cysteine, tyrosine, lysine, glutamine) and minerals chromium, zinc, potassium iodide, etc.).

General Information

Description:

Performance efficiency is an integral indicator of organism’s functional state and its changes. Performance efficiency is ability to develop a maximum energy and, economically spending it, to reach the set goal with qualitative performance of mental or physical performance. Mental regression is a complex physiological process that begins in higher parts of nervous system and spreads to other body systems. The main causes of mental regression are violations in coherence of organs and systems functioning.

Causes:

Mental regression may be a manifestation of regression, which is often confused with fatigue.

Such symptoms are noticeable as:

• weakening of attention and memory;
• insomnia;
• depression;
• acute irritability;
• fatigue (severe degree of fatigue).

The working capacity is preserved only under condition of normal restoration of the consumed organism’s resources in accordance with daily periodicals, rhythm of work and rest.

Factors:

System internal factors that reduce performance efficiency:

• poor oxygen supply to cells in muscles because of impaired capillary blood flow and / or changes in viscosity and blood coagulation processes;
• decreased synthesis of energy in muscles;
• activation of formation process of free radicals due to excessive loads;
• weakened immune responses. It can develop with excessive physical exertion, in an unfavorable climatic environment;
• violation of the central and peripheral nervous system due to increased psychoemotional loads;
• Acute and chronic infections and diseases.

External factors that reduce performance efficiency:

• sleep disorders;
• nutritional factors;
• energetically unbalanced food (excess or not enough high-calorie food);
• imbalance in diet of proteins, fats and carbohydrates; use of low-quality water.
• deficiency of vitamins and biologically significant macro- and microelements.
• alcohol abuse;
• decrease in rate of complex motor reflexes and accuracy of muscle contractions;
• violation of processes of excitation and inhibition in central nervous system;
• violation of metabolism of B-complex vitamins, biologically significant elements;
• increase in probability of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• deceleration of regeneration processes.

Tobacco smoking:

• reduction in rate of complex motor reflexes and accuracy of muscle contractions;
• reduction by 10% digestibility of oxygen, which causes an increase in load on heart;
• occurrence of deficiency of ascorbic acid, retinol and tocopherol; appearance of a tendency to muscle cramps;
• probability of disease pathology of upper respiratory tract, lungs, stomach as a result of mucous membranes irritation.

Treatment

• To eliminate decline in mental and physical performance, you must first change your lifestyle. The patient is strongly recommended to sleep at least seven hours a day, while falling asleep not at midnight, but at least a couple of hours before it. It is advisable to go to bed at the same time, as well as force yourself to wake up.
• An extremely important role is played by a full and balanced diet that saturates the body with all nutrients it needs (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats and other particles). It is not superfluous to include in your diet vitamins of group B, vitamin E and vitamin C in multivitamin complexes.
• Try to pace oneself and lower body burden. Do not waste energy and do not try to do more than you can. Reduce the burden on yourself at home, as well as at work.
• Try to correct the flow of information that pours on you every day. Do not litter the brain with unnecessary and even harmful information. More often walk on fresh air and necessarily you leave on the sun.
• Also learn to avoid stresses or deal with them correctly. Of course, if a person has any diseases, it is necessary to take measures to treat them. Otherwise, restoration of working capacity is impossible.

Traditional Treatment

Traditional means will help to cope with a decrease in mental and physical performance. But do not consider them as a remedy for all diseases. Such drugs can have a fortifying effect. Herbal Supplements are also effective in mental regression elimination. People may buy freely such herbal supplements in any pharmacy or even order online without prescription.

General Illness Information

Medical Term: Female Pattern Alopecia.

Common Name: Female Pattern Baldness, Hair Loss, Thinning Hair.

Description: Female pattern baldness is a pathological hair loss in females.

Causes:

• violation of the structure of the hair (due to treatment, twisting of the hair, or due to possible violations that the woman has since birth);
• some skin diseases that lead to the formation of hair follicle scars;
• hormonal disorders – such as: too much male hormone testosterone, lack of thyroid hormones, excessive amounts of thyroid hormones;
• iron deficiency;
• drugs, especially chemotherapy and beta-blockers;
• slight loss of hair;
• syphilis (systemic chronic infectious venereal disease with mucous membranes, skin, bones, internal organs, nervous system, with a succession of stages of the disease, caused by bacteria from the order spirochete, Treponema pallidum or pale treponema podalidum.), sexually transmitted diseases;
• temporary hair loss after a serious illness, surgery or pregnancy (telogen miasms – a common cause of hair loss within 2 or 3 months after a strong body stress: a long illness, a serious infection or a complicated surgery, and also – after a sharp change in the level of hormones, especially in women after childbirth. Moderate hair loss in all parts of the head;
• lack of vitamins (for example, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin of group B. The molecule of vitamin biotin consists of tetrahydroimidazole and tetrahydrothiophene ring, in which one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by valeric acid).

Signs & Symptoms:

Female pattern baldness differs from male pattern baldness.

With female hair loss:

• Hair thinning mainly in the upper part of the head, the “crown”. It usually begins with an extension to the center of the hair;
• The front line of the hair remains;
• Hair loss rarely progresses to complete baldness, as happens in men.

Itching or skin ulcers on the scalp, as a rule, are not observed.

Classification:

Female pattern baldness is divided into gradual and sudden. Sudden alopecia can be triggered by radioactive radiation, severe infectious or somatic diseases, prolonged severe diets and hunger strikes, severe stress and trauma, and general chemical poisoning. As a rule, with recovery, hair growth resumes without using medications.

Telogenous alopecia, or gradual alopecia, is caused by many reasons, for example, . a post-breeding period with violated the hormonal background. Such baldness after childbirth can last up to six months. However, after a while the hormonal balance is restored and the hair become thick and beautiful.

Treatment:

The main methods of treating alopecia:

• Anti-anxiety medications for correction of concomitant stress;
• General strengthening therapy (nootropics, angioprotectors);
• Vitamins against hair loss;
• Irradiation of the bald zone with the photosensitizer);
• Cryomassage, UV irradiation, darsonvalization;
• Mesotherapy of the scalp (intradermal administration of hair growth stimulants);
• Methods of traditional medicine (masks, wraps);
• Professional cosmetics for hair (shampoos, masks, lotions);
• Rubbing of locally irritating foods (mustard, tincture, red pepper).

Treatment of each type of female pattern baldness:

Depending on the cause, there are different methods of female hair loss treatment. For example, in addition to the above methods, treatment of female androgenic alopecia includes:

• Lotions and sprays on the basis of Minoxidil, applied to the affected areas;
• Spironolactone and cimetidine (orally) for the treatment of excessive hair loss;
• Contraceptive means to reduce the formation of androgens in the body;
• Intracutaneous injections with glucocorticosteroids.

It is important to understand that the cause is a hormonal failure, so no external methods (masks, rubbing, shampoos) will help. Female androgenetic alopecia can only be determined by a trichologist.

Treatment of diffuse alopecia includes hysiotherapy, cosmetology, traditional medicine.

In seborrheic alopecia, you can change food preferences (excluding fried, fatty, spicy, sweet), use preparations based on female hormones, and various masks that reduce the skin’s greasiness (with blue clay, kefir, rye bread), special shampoos, rinsing with medicinal plants, mesotherapy injections into the scalp, which reduce the fat content of the scalp.

Diagnosis:

First of all, the trichologist will examine the scalp to determine the density and condition of the hair. Trichologists often apply a sipping test to determine the rate of hair loss. For this test, the doctor takes about fifty hairs with two or three fingers and slightly pulls them. If during the process more than six or seven hairs fall out, this means a hair loss is serious.

After the examination, the trichologist will send you for analysis:

• General blood analysis;
• Biochemical blood test (content of trace elements, liver function markers and other organs);
• Content of thyroid hormones;
• The content of sexual estrogens and androgens;
• Trichogram (examination of the density and condition of hair using a video camera).

If you suspect a disease from other areas of medicine, refer to the appropriate specialists (endocrinologist, gynecologist, neurologist). Then, the necessary treatment for female pattern baldness is prescribed.

Prevention:

Natural remedies are very helpful. To prevent female alopecia, follow the rules:

• Lead an active way of life, organize proper nutrition and give up harmful habits;
• Choose a shampoo for your hair type;
• Do not wash your hair too often. Use warm, not very hot water;
• Limit the use of hair dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners;
• Use only natural hair colors;
• Use brushes with natural bristles and combs with blunt teeth.

Possible Complications:

Psychological stress and loss of self-esteem due to changes in appearance.

A woman should immediately call a doctor if she has hair loss, and also – itching, skin irritation or other symptoms. Any medical cause of hair loss can be curable.

Prognosis:

Female pattern baldness usually does not mean that a woman has any medical condition.

Other:

Not specified.

General Illness Information

Medical Term: Onychomycosis

Common Name: Nail fungus

Description: All fungal diseases of humans are of infectious nature, that is, caused by pathogenic fungi. The most common places of infection with fungal infections are skin and nails. Infection occurs in a contact-household way from a sick person to a healthy person, if the rules of personal hygiene are not respected. Infection with onychomycosis -fungus on nails of feet and hands often occurs through common shoes or household items in the family.

Anthroponous (human) mycosis of nails and skin most often causes three kinds of microorganisms:

• dermatophytes (Trichophyton and others);
• yeast-like fungi (primarily, causative agent of Candida albicans, as well as relatives of C. Tropicalis and S. Parapsilosis;
• mold fungi of different species (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium).

Manifestations of Nail Fungus

1. Nail fungus begins at the edges of nail bed; the plate loses transparency, becomes whitish or yellow, edge of the nail is uneven, crumbles.
2. Nail fungus can begin from nail roller area, extending into interior.
3. With solid nail fungus, plate looks thickened, yellowish-gray, uneven, can partially or completely break down.
4. White surface nail fungus begins with formation of small white spots and strips on back surface of the plate, which eventually increase and get yellow.

Symptoms

It is impossible to not notice appearance of fungus:

• nails change color to gray, white, brown, black, yellow or green;
• they begin to crumble;
• there is itching of skin around nails;
• lesion area is painful.

As the disease progresses, nail becomes cornified, seals grow, thereby greatly reducing effectiveness of treatment. Mycosis of nails is observed mainly in adult and elderly population, in children lesions of nail phalanges are extremely rare. Fungal diseases of any organs and tissues are formed in humans only when there is either a sharp decrease in immunity, or age-related change in pH of the skin and nails, or age-related chronic diseases progress.

Causes

• Infection mainly occurs at contact with a sick person, animals, through objects of common use (combs, bedding, slippers, bath mats, etc.).
• Paradoxically, today people who actively participate in sports, visit swimming pools, saunas, baths, public health centers, training halls and those using the same sports equipment are subject to this disease.
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), impaired metabolism, obesity, decrease in immune defense on the background of taking antibiotics or oral contraceptives play special role in development of fungus on legs.
• In addition, excessive consumption of sweets and high-calorie foods contributes to occurrence of endocrine disruptions, which facilitates process of fungal attachment.

Risk factors

• diabetes;
• violation of blood supply of extremities (varicose veins, Raynaud’s syndrome, rheumatic vascular lesions);
• immunodeficiency, including HIV;
• presence of fungal infections on skin and internal organs;
• traumatic lesions of nail plates and adjacent tissues;
• professional risks.

Diagnosis

Methods of research:

• detection of pathogen by microscopy. Materials for microscopy – scraping from the nail plate;
• surveillance culture. Inoculation of material.

To get information about what caused this or that change, it is necessary to consult dermatologist, who organizes procedure for diagnosing the disease. Scraping from affected part will be sent to laboratory to find out causes of the disease.

Microscopy will reveal presence of fungus, and inoculation on nutrient medium will allow surveillance culture of pathogen and determine sensitivity to antifungal drugs.

Treatment

Treatment of nail fungus is very important to begin at manifestation of its first symptoms, when the parasite has not yet begun to multiply and spread to other parts of the body. In addition, it is very easy to transmit it through contact-household way. Therefore, fungus of nails very often affects all family members. And, to all this not to happen, you need to immediately diagnose nail fungus and start its treatment.

Dermatologist will send patient to undertake analysis of scrapings of tissues to determine type of fungus or several types at once (this happens quite often). Also, treatment will depend on degree of damage to nail plate: if structure of nails has changed greatly, this means that the disease begins to progress.

If you notice signs of fungus of nails at the beginning of the disease, course of treatment will be limited to local anti-fungal drugs and will last not long. With correct choice and regular use of antifungal agent, it is possible to completely cure nail fungus and prevent complications.

Modern means for combating nail fungus – both synthetic and homeopathic – not only destroy pathogens, stop progression of mycosis, but can accumulate in nails for a long period of time, which reduces duration of treatment.

However, if patient chooses to treat the disease with medications in the form of pill, it is necessary to know that local treatment is much safer. Anti-fungal agents have a list of side effects that are not rare.  Side effects of systemic anti-fungal agents include:

• headache;
• itching;
• loss of sense of taste;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• rash;
• fatigue;
• abnormal liver function.

In its turn, homeopathic medicine can surely claim to avoid such adverse reactions, since medications containing only natural ingredients do not cause side effects and do not have contraindications.

General Illness Information

Common Name: Early ejaculation

Medical Term: Premature ejaculation, PE.

Description: premature ejaculation is is a male sexual dysfunction characterized by early ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of penetration.

Causes: Premature ejaculation can be caused by both psychological and organic causes. Although many men are embarrassed to talk about this disorder, premature ejaculation is an ordinary and curable condition.

The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not known. Earlier the only reasons for early ejaculation were considered psychological, but now it’s known that the causes of premature ejaculation are more complex, and include both psychological and organic factors.

Psychological causes of premature ejaculation:

• Early sexual experience can create a pattern that is then difficult to change, for example, a situation in which the patient may have hastened to reach orgasm in order to avoid “revelation”;
• Erectile disfunction. Men who are worried about achieving and maintaining erection during intercourse, may develop behavioral patterns that lead to premature ejaculation, and these structures can be very difficult to destroy;
• Anxiety. Many men with premature ejaculation may have an anxiety related to both sexual relationships and other related causes;
• Problems in relationships. Often, interpersonal problems contribute to the problem.

Organic causes of premature ejaculation:

• Abnormal hormone levels;
• Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (biologically active substances in the brain);
• Reflex disorders of the ejaculation;
• Some diseases of the thyroid gland;
• Inflammation and infection of the urethra (urethritis) and / or prostate gland (prostatitis);
• Heredity;
• Violation of the nervous system due to trauma or surgical intervention;
• Quitting certain narcotic drugs or psychotropic drugs used to treat anxiety and other mental health problems.

Classification: Premature ejaculation is divided into:

1. Congenital (primary);
2. Acquired (secondary).

Congenital premature ejaculation occurs with the first sexual experience and remains a problem throughout life. Ejaculation occurs long before penetration or less than 1-2 minutes after it;
Acquired premature ejaculation is characterized by a gradual or sudden occurrence. The time of ejaculation is very short, but usually not so short as with congenital premature ejaculation.

Risk Factors:

• Health problems: concerns about your own health during intercourse, such as cardiovascular diseases, can lead to accelerated ejaculation;
• Stress. Emotional or mental stress in any area of life can cause premature ejaculation due to the inability to relax and concentrate during sexual intercourse;
• Some drugs: narcotic (psychotropic) drugs can lead to premature ejaculation.

Prevention:

• Use condoms with an anesthetic;
• Think about abstract topics during sex;
• Do special exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles;
• Masturbate before sexual intercourse;
• Do a circumcision surgery.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Ejaculation is less than a minute after penetration or before penetration in the vagina.

Additional signs of this disease:

• different duration of the sexual act;
• prolonged duration of sexual intercourse when using condoms or anesthetic ointments;
• prolonged sexual intercourse when taking antidepressants or other types of sedatives.

Remember that both the length of the sexual intercourse and other signs are very relative and only a specialist can diagnose the condition and determine its true cause. In addition, one-time cases of early ejaculation can hardly be considered signs of the disease, since they can be caused by non-medical factors (situation, mood, etc.).

Diagnosis:

The greatest importance in the diagnosis of premature ejaculation is the collection of medical and sexual history of the disease. Based on these data, the urologist can identify primary or secondary premature ejaculation. Also, during the conversation, the doctor should find out the duration of the sexual act before ejaculation, whether the problem arises only with a certain partner or under certain circumstances, the influence of premature ejaculation on sexual activity and quality of life, whether the patient takes medications or drugs. It is very important to recognize premature ejaculation in erectile dysfunction.

If the urologist has sufficient grounds, then an additional examination of the vascular, endocrine and neurological system may be suggested. The exclusion of Peyronie’s disease, urethritis and prostatitis may also be necessary in some cases.

Treatment:

Premature ejaculation may be a sign of prostatitis, so treatment should be selected and monitored carefully. There are conservative and operational methods of treatment:

Conservative methods of treatment include:

• Psychotherapy that helps cope with the anxiety of a man about his sexual power;
• Reduce the tempo. Another name for the technique is “stop-start”. When a man feels maximum excitement, stimulation must be stopped until the excitement subsides;
• Condoms that reduce sensitivity;
• Drug treatment (Dapoxetin, Lidocaine, Viagra, Levitra, Cialis);
• Creams that reduce sensivity of the penis;
• Antidepressants. However, due to the many side effects, serotonin reuptake inhibitors are rarely used to eliminate premature ejaculation.

The most effective surgical methods of treatment:

1. Denervation of the glans penis;
2. Selective denervation.

Activity:

No restrictions.

Possible Complications:

• Problems in relationships. If premature ejaculation affects your relationship, it is desirable to include your sexual partner in the treatment program;
• Fertility problems: Premature ejaculation can sometimes cause troubles for couples who are trying to become pregnant.

Prognosis:

Modern techniques allow to cure premature ejaculation in 98% of cases.

Other:

Nothing specified.

General Illness Information

Common Name: Muscle Weakness

Medical Term: Myasthenia

Description: Muscle weakness (myasthenia) is a pathological process of an autoimmune nature, which reduces the contractile ability of muscles. This disease can develop as a result of damage to the anatomical components of the extremities (vessels, bones, articular surfaces, nerves). Muscle weakness can develop both in the arms and legs.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Decreased muscle strength. Measurement can be made both with the help of a special tool – a dynamometer, and the hands of the examining physician. To assess muscle strength without a tool, the doctor simultaneously presses two hands on the patient, while evaluating the symmetry of muscle tension;
• Difficulty in performing routine tasks (walking, climbing stairs, holding a mug in hands, writing a pen, carrying packets of medium gravity);
  Blepharoptosis (omission of the eyelid), impaired swallowing, speech, or chewing.

Causes:

• Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and brain, meningitis, poliomyelitis, encephalitis, autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre);
• Deficiency of physical activity (muscle atrophy due to lack of mobility);
• Harmful habits (smoking, alcohol, cocaine and other psychoactive substances);
• Pregnancy (lack of iron (Fe), increased physical activity, high hormonal levels);
• Old age (weakening of muscles as a result of age changes);
• Injuries (damage to muscle tissue, stretching and dislocation);
• Drugs (some drugs or their overdose can cause muscle weakness – antibiotics, anesthetics, oral steroids, interferon and others);
• Intoxication (poisoning of the body with narcotic and other harmful substances);
• Oncology (malignant and benign tumors);
• Infections (tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, complicated form of influenza, hepatitis C, Lyme disease, glandular fever, poliomyelitis and malaria);
• Cardiovascular diseases (failure to provide the muscles with the required amount of blood);
• Endocrine pathologies (diabetes mellitus, disruptions in the thyroid gland, violation of electrolyte metabolism);
• Problems with the spine (curvature, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia);
• Genetic diseases (myasthenia gravis, myotonic dystrophy and muscular dystrophy);
• Lesion of the sciatic or femoral nerve (muscle weakness in only one limb);
• Chronic lung diseases (COPD, lack of oxygen) and kidneys (salt imbalance, release of toxins into the blood, lack of vitamin D and calcium (Ca).

Diagnosis:

Patients suffering from muscle weakness should determine the cause of this condition. The disease should be identified at an early stage, then the therapy will be more successful, and the predictions – optimistic.

Typically, doctors perform the following studies:

• General blood analysis;
• Blood chemistry;
• Analysis of urine;
• Muscle biopsies;
• EMG;
• CT and MRI;
• Study of the level of CK in the blood;
• Analysis of the rate of the nervous reaction;
• Examination of cerebrospinal fluid;
• Oncological examination.

To identify the disease and diagnose, it is necessary to consult a therapist and a neurologist.

Prevention:

• Adhere to proper nutrition (including in the diet rich in protein and calcium products, cereals, vegetables, herbs, honey, vitamins) and lifestyle;
• Devote enough time to work, rest and sports;
• Monitor blood pressure;
• Avoid stress and excessive fatigue;
• Be in the fresh air;
• Refuse from addictions;
• Consult a doctor if serious problems occur.

Treatment:

If muscle weakness is caused by overwork, it is enough to let the limbs rest after a load or a long walk (especially in uncomfortable shoes). In other cases, appropriate therapy may be prescribed:

• the development of muscles by performing special exercises;
• medicines to improve cerebral activity and circulation;
• natural supplements for muscle strength enhancement;
• drugs that remove toxins from the body;
• antibacterial agents for infections in the spinal cord or brain;
• increased neuromuscular activity by means of special drugs;
• liquidation of poisoning consequences;
• surgical intervention aimed at removing tumors, ulcers and bruises.

Possible Complications:

• deterioration of coordination;
• slow metabolism;
• decreased immunity (susceptibility to viral diseases);
• problems with the heart muscle (tachycardia, bradycardia and hypotension);
• swelling of the extremities;
• excess weight.

Other:

Not specified.

General Illness Information

Common Name: Breast sagging

Medical Term: Female Breast Ptosis

Description: Female breast ptosis (breast sagging ) develops due to the weakening of ligaments that hold the breast, reducing the elasticity of the skin, as well as the general loss of breast tissue.

Causes:

• Hereditary predisposition. The condition of the skin and the elasticity of the ligaments largely depend on the rate of synthesis of collagen and elastin, which is hereditary;
• Breast size. The law of gravity does not bypass the feminine charms. Therefore, the more mammary glands, the higher the risk of early breast lowering;
• Hormonal background. During every menses, the mammary glands have the property of swelling under the influence of hormones, and they return to their normal state without losing form. But the constant change in the volume of the mammary glands with age affects the condition of the skin, which loses its ability to recover quickly;
• Pregnancy. Breast enhancement during pregnancy is caused by both hormonal changes and weight gain. The possibility of restoring the breast condition depends on the age of the future mother, the number of pregnancies. Pregnant women after after 30 years run more risks of losing their forms;
• Lactation. During breastfeeding, the stretching of the mammary glands is associated not only with the presence of a large volume of milk and a change in the hormonal background, but also with non-observance of the doctors’ recommendations;
• Climax. A sharp decrease in estrogen affects the elasticity of the skin, which causes flabbiness of the body;
• Age. Aging of the organism is accompanied by a slowdown of all processes in the body. The metabolic rate also affects the condition of the mammary glands, which simply “dry up” with age
• Weight change. With excess weight, fat is deposited in the mammary glands, which, on the one hand, influences them positively due to an increased volume, but, on the other hand, it stretches the skin and causes lowering due to weight. With a sharp weight loss, the breast is unable to quickly restore its shape, and often remains in the form of sagging female breast;
• Intensive exercise. Of course, sports loads do not harm the chest. But the practice of jogging, jumping, other intense mobile sports without supporting underwear causes permanent movement of the chest;
• Posture. Permanent stoop, work associated with an incorrect position of the spine, allow the breast to remain in a sagging form for a long time, which eventually becomes the norm;
• Harmful habits and nutrition. Smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition have an indirect effect on the mammary glands. First of all, they affect the condition of the skin and the chest.

Stages:

Depending on the lowering of the bust, female breast ptosis is divided into 3 degrees.
The degree is determined by a submammary fold – a peculiar line of attachment of the breast to the skin of the chest. In a normal state, the nipples and areoles should not fall below the submammary line. There are the following degrees of mammary gland lowering:

1. the first degree of ptosis – is characterized by the location of the nipple of the breast directly at the level of the submammary fold or slightly below it, at a distance of not more than 1 cm;
2. the second degree of ptosis – at this stage the breast falls below the submammary fold by 1 to 3 cm, but the nipple still protrudes somewhat in front of the breast (“looks forward”);
3. the third degree of ptosis is accompanied by a significant lowering of the breast to a distance of more than 3-4 cm; the shape of the breast is noticeably worse, the nipple “looks forward.”

There is also a separate version called pseudoptosis – the bust drops below the level of the submammary line, but the nipple of the breast remains in its normal location.

Prevention:

• Regular exercise or swimming – promote the tightening of the muscles of the breast and have a positive effect on its shape. In addition, there is a special set of physical exercises for the bust that will help to keep the breasts in tone;
• Strict diets accompanied by a sharp decrease in weight negatively affect the shape and condition of the mammary glands. Rapid loss of adipose tissue contributes to the breast sagging. A diet should be sparing, and weight loss – smooth and gradual;
• The right choice of underwear. In no case the underwear should be too large or tight – it should match the shape of the breast and not squeeze it. It is especially important to choose a special bra for sports – its main task is to maximize the support of the mammary glands during exercise;
• Monitor your posture, especially if you are engaged in sedentary work or spend a lot of time at the computer.
• Do not forget about the regular use of special natural cosmetics for the breast. Such remedies have in their composition a lot of vitamins and useful nutrients, which help to keep the skin of the breast elastic.
• Do not sunbathe without a brassiere – both on a beach, and in a sun deck. Ultraviolet promotes accelerated aging of the skin, which most negatively affects the state of the bust.

Treatment:

• External means – creams, ointments, sprays, whey, wraps;
• Medicines and dietary supplements;
• Sports loads, various types of fitness;
• Injection techniques – contour plastics by fillers, mesotherapy;
• Techniques for improving skin tone and underlying muscles;
• Breast enhancement by various kinds of threads;
• Plastic surgery.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of many methods is doubtful: in some cases, they can only exacerbate the situation, and sometimes also cause considerable damage to the body. Therefore, the choice of the breast correction method should be agreed with the doctor.

Natural cosmetics:

Natural cosmetics for female breast ptosis includes ointments, creams, lotions and masks for “breast lifting”, as well as salon and home wraps. As a rule, they guarantee a tightening of the skin and sometimes also some increase its volume.

Of course, regular moisturizing of sensitive breasts is necessary at any age, especially in the mature one. The active ingredients that make up natural cosmetics for female breast ptosis add elasticity and tone, give a slight lifting effect, but they can neither remove excess skin, nor can it penetrate into its deep layers. Even the active sera by ion-or electrophoresis does not give a noticeable and lasting result. Thus, cosmetics can hardly be considered as an independent corrective agent – especially with large breasts or strong sagging – although it’s the best way to prevent ptosis in the early stages.

Prognosis:

Female breast ptosis is a natural process and can not be avoided, but it’s quite possible to slow it down. For this, a woman should follow several important rules:

• Always wear a properly sized and shaped bra;
• Do not forget about daily breast care: contrasting showers or wiping with cool water, self-massage, use of moisturizing creams, lotions, tonics, masks, etc.;
• Keep a level posture – stoop during walking or prolonged sitting at the computer exacerbates the problem. Straight back will allow to keep pectoral muscles in a tone and will provide normal blood circulation in this zone.
• Avoid sudden weight changes – rapid weight loss leads to tissue sagging, and weight gain – to overextension of the skin which is not ready for such loads;
• Regularly do physical exercises for pectoral muscles, restorative sports, for example, swimming and gymnastics. For sports activities you will need special clothes – a denser top or bodice with wide and reliable straps;
• Avoid the influence of ultraviolet light on the sensitive skin of the breast – it is not recommended to sunbathe topless on the beach or in the solarium, this accelerates the development of ptosis;
• Pay attention to your diet, it must include products that improve the skin – fatty fish, dairy and meat products, eggs, greens, nuts, etc.

Other:

Not specified.

General Illness Information

Medical Term: Atrophic vaginitis

Common Name: Vaginal dryness

Description: Vaginal dryness, or atrophic vaginitis, is an irritation caused by thinning of the walls and wrinkling of the vaginal tissues, and a decrease in the amount of natural lubricant released from them.

Causes:

• hormonal imbalance, which can develop against the background of approaching menstruation, pregnancy or the postpartum period, reception of incorrectly selected hormonal contraceptives;
• diseases of the female genital tract, infection of the urinary tract or vagina, venereal diseases, genital herpes, neoplasms, uterine myoma and endometriosis;
• dermatological disorders;
• complete absence of sex or irregular sexual relations;
• immune disorders;
• surgical interventions, mainly on the urogenital system on the cervix, removal of the ovaries (which also causes hormonal changes), taking certain medications and medical manipulations: antibiotics, antidepressants, drugs for chemotherapy, hormonal drugs;
• use of cosmetic and hygiene products in the genital area: soaps, gels, foams containing hard alkali, which destroys the natural level of acidity, perfumes and dyes, chemical and synthetic ingredients for intimate use can cause allergy and irritation of the mucosa (incl. flavored condoms, toilet paper);
• smoking, which affects blood circulation throughout the body and the genitals in particular.

Signs & Symptoms:

• itching in the region of the external genitalia (especially pronounced itching of the labia minora);
• itching inside the vaginal tract;
• discomfort in normal life against the background of a decrease in the number of secretions;
• burning of the perineum, vaginal vestibule;
• pain due to vaginal dryness during intercourse;
• the appearance of cracks, wounds on the surface of the mucous membrane, causing itching, irritation;
• infection of the wound, the development of the inflammatory process with its inherent symptoms.

If the causes of vaginal dryness are associated with atrophic colpitis, the clinical picture may include frequent urination (due to irritation, atrophy and inflammation of the urethra tissues), burning with urination, decreased efficiency, deterioration of well-being. A woman with a vaginal dryness often refuses to have sex life, as this brings her discomfort, pain and other painful sensations.

Diagnosis:

Vaginal dryness is a condition detected with a complaint of the patient herself. If a woman does not experience any discomfort, she is unlikely to be diagnosed with vaginal dryness. During diagnostic procedures, the doctor examines the history, clarifies whether there were factors that could lead to dryness and, if possible, recommends the exclusion of their effects and normal sexual relations.

Gynecological examination and laboratory diagnostics are necessary to exclude more serious diseases, as well as to identify the causes of discomfort. These are tests for the presence of infectious agents, a Pap smear to test cells from the vaginal or cervical wall, and also to study hormonal status.

Treatment:

Vaginal dryness due to low estrogen levels is treated with topical preparations. These drugs can eliminate local symptoms, but are not absorbed into the blood.

Topical preparations include:

• The vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina and constantly releases estrogen into the surrounding tissues. The ring should be changed every three months;
• The vaginal tablet is inserted into the vagina and is there for the first two weeks. Then the tablets are inserted twice a week;
• The vaginal cream is inserted into the vagina with the help of an applicator. The frequency of use depends on the specific preparation. Natural vaginal creams are the most effective, popular and safe.

However, any estrogen preparations may cause have side effects, such as bleeding from the vagina and pain in the mammary glands. Topical products are not recommended for use with:

• Breast cancer, especially when using aromatase inhibitors;
• Endometrial cancer in the anamnesis;
• Vaginal bleeding in an anamnesis, the cause of which is not established;
• Pregnancy and lactation.

For additional moisturizing the vagina, you can use lubricants. Combined with long caresses they are the key to a full sexual intercourse. Forget about syringing, do not take a bath and do not use scented soap and lotions – all this increases vaginal dryness.

Prevention:

• daily hygienic shower with washing, however without irritating hygienic preparations (for intimate areas it is necessary to use special means purchased in pharmacies with a minimum content of chemical components);
• use of sanitary napkins in the presence of vaginal discharge, however, they must be changed every 4-6 hours, it is preferable to use sanitary napkins, and not tampons due to their minimal interaction with the reproductive organs;
• it is preferable to use non-flavored hygiene products, toilet paper, contraceptives, lubricants (water-based);
• underwear should be changed regularly, and preference should be given to natural tissues;
• use the most simple detergents for washing underwear (without perfume and dyes), simple household soap, and not rinse, conditioner, etc.;
• reduce the consumption of spicy, pickled, salted, spicy, tinned foods, easily digestible carbohydrates, alcoholic beverages;
• focus on vitamins and minerals, consume fruits, vegetables, berries, freshly squeezed juices, cereals, whole grains;
• consume products containing phytoestrogens (substances that are similar in their action to female sex hormones) – beans, soybeans, lentils, rice, apples, pomegranates, carrots, cabbage, red grapes, cherries, dates, parsley, nuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil;
• consume polyunsaturated fats – sea fish, seeds, nuts, vegetable oils;
• drink large amounts of liquid – up to 2 liters of water a day;
• have a high-grade sexual activity that normalizes a hormonal background.

Other:

Not specified.

General Illness Information:

Medical Term: Male pattern alopecia, hair loss

Common Name: Male pattern baldness

Description: Hair loss is a process of abnormal hair loss, leading to the formation of areas with bald patches.

Causes:

There is no single cause of baldness in men. A variety of conditions and pathologies, as well as their combinations can lead to hair loss:

• Genetic predisposition. If your father, grandfather and great-grandfather began to lose their hair at a relatively young age, you should prepare for it. The gene for baldness can be inherited from both the father and the mother;
• Stress. Stress reaction includes a spasm of blood vessels, including those that feed the hair follicles. Deprived of blood flow, hair dies and falls out, and the growth of the surviving hair slows down. It is important to remember that in this case, hair begins to fall out not during a stressful situation, but a few weeks or months later, and they fall more or less evenly throughout the head. This type of alopecia is called diffuse alopecia;
• Hormonal imbalance. Hair bulbs are sensitive to male sex hormones. Excess dehydrotestosterone often leads to the fact that hair follicles atrophy and hair fall out. Alopecia caused by an overabundance of certain hormones is called androgenic alopecia;
• Unbalanced nutrition. The lack of such minerals and vitamins, like A, B2, B5, B12, C, E, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, zinc and copper, can lead to hair loss and diffuse alopecia;
• Metabolic disorders. Problems with metabolic processes also have a bad effect on the condition of the hair follicles;
• Chronic diseases – psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and many other diseases lead to hair loss;
• Infectious diseases. They cause a general intoxication, and hair loss is one of its consequences;
• Skin diseases. In particular, seborrhea, lichen, and pustular inflammation of the scalp;
• Injuries. Hair does not grow on scars from deep wounds and burns. Such alopecia is called cicatricial alopecia.

Types:

Male pattern baldness can have not only different causes, but also types. In turn, each type has its own characteristics.

Androgenetic (hereditary) alopecia

It is most common among men. The first signs can appear at a very young age, which can become quite a serious psychological problem.

Features:

1. At the first stage, frontotemporal rhythm appears, strongly receding from the line of hair growth;
2. The hair structure is destroyed, hair becomes short and brittle, the pigment is lost over time;
3. At the final stage, the hair begins to fall on the vertex and form first a sparse zone, and then a bald spot.

Telogen diffuse alopecia

It occurs after 4-6 weeks after exposure to one or another factor harmful to the body. Hair can fall out from three months to one year, after which their growth is restored without special treatment.

The main causes of male pattern baldness:

• Stresses, conflict situations, lack of sleep;
• Diseases and surgical operations;
• Use of some drugs;
• Imbalance of vitamins.

Anagenic diffuse alopecia

This type of baldness occurs when the risk factor is too strong. In this case, hair loss begins immediately and can even lead to a complete loss. If this process does not damage the follicles, the hairline can completely recover.

Main reasons:

• Chemotherapy for oncological diseases;
• Poisoning by toxins;
• Impact of radiation.

In addition to these most common types, there are those that are extremely rare:

Alopecia areata – hair falls on the round areas of the skin, without damaging it. It can occur not only on the head, but also on the eyebrows, as well as other parts of the body;
Cicatricial alopecia is the loss of hair on the places of former burns, wounds, where the skin with follicles was replaced by scar tissue;
Traumatic alopecia – prolapse in the places of the greatest tension of the skin. Occurs when using wigs with attachments, clamps and other attachments.

Signs & Symptoms:

Each stage has the following signs of male pattern baldness:

1. The first stage – characterized by the appearance of lateral bald patches on the hairline, the hair has a thinned structure with the edge of the bald patches;
2. The second stage – the bald patches pass the border of the middle of the scalp. There may be a bald spot on the vertex;
3. The third stage – all the fore-tosaces merge together, forming a kind of islet;
4. The fourth stage – there is a transition behind the back line of the front bald patches;
5. The fifth stage – the bridge disappears, and the bald patches descend along the edges downward;
6. The sixth stage – the lateral bald patches descend to the very bottom and alopecia ceases.

Diagnosis:

The most innovative approach for determining the causes of baldness today is the method of phototrichoscopy, which helps determine the ratio of hair in the growth phase and in the rest phase, obtaining objective criteria for hair growth.

Another compulsory thing is a microscopic examination of the hair shaft and foci of baldness on the presence of fungi. A biopsy of the skin of the scalp allows you to identify or exclude dermatomycosis and scarring alopecia that developed against systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis or against the background of lichen. Spectral analysis of the hair is also needed.

Treatment:

In the treatment of baldness in men, perhaps, there are three main ways to distinguish:

• Drug treatment. It is conducted by the course, the results are visible after 6-10 months. The course is selected individually. Injections, masks, massages, drugs, laser therapy are used. Drug treatment is aimed only at maintaining and strengthening the existing native hair and hair follicles. However, after the end of treatment, hair loss can resume. If minoxidil-containing drugs were used in the treatment, hair can begin to fall out immediately after the treatment is withdrawn. If you use other drugs, strengthened native hair can last 1.5-3 years without additional intervention. Note that if hair does not grow for 6 months or more in places of hair loss (places of complete alopecia or thinning), treatment in these zones will not bring any results, because the hair follicles have already died in these places;
• Hair transplantation. This is one of the most effective procedures, in which hair is transplanted from non-adherent areas (donor zone) into the area of alopecia. Hair transplantation is performed by operating and non-surgical methods. The consequences and results after hair transplantation can be different. When choosing this or that method of hair transplantation, pay attention to the consequences of such intervention for your health (some methods leave scars on the head, headaches can last from 6 months to 3 years, etc.);
• Hair transplant without surgery using HFE technology. This is the most modern procedure of hair transplantation, which allows to achieve a natural density without surgery and with minimal skin damage. Hair survival rate is up to 90-98%, wound healing occurs in 3-5 days. The HFE method is the most progressive method of hair transplantation;
• You can also buy ready-made herbal supplements products in a pharmacy. In addition to the basic herbal extracts, they also contain all sorts of additional nutrients that stimulate hair growth. Such drugs are considered particularly effective and more popular than synthesized medications (subject to daily use) and have almost no side effects.

Possible complications:

Alopecia can worsen the emotional state of people, but it is not dangerous from a medical point of view.

Prevention:

• Physical activity to improve blood flow will help prevent a small supply of oxygen;
• Diet with the presence of zinc, proteins, vitamins and iron;
• Timely treatment of all diseases will help prevent alopecia;
• Use of special drugs to improve the functioning of hair follicles.

Prognosis:

If the cause of hair loss is dermatomycosis, hormonal imbalance and trichotillomania, then a full restoration of hair can be achieved. With cicatricial and total nesting alopecia, hair is usually can not be restored, since the hair follicles have serious damage and hair transplantation is required.

In general, the success of treating make pattern baldness on the stage of the disease and timely medical help. Herbal supplements for baldness combined with medications can accelerate recovery. Independent therapy is usually not appropriate and ineffective, as it does not eliminate the underlying causes of alopecia.

Other:

Not specified.